Pet Travel. Made Easy.

All Aboard! Pet Friendly Scenic Train Rides

One of our most precious memories from the Ultimate Pet Friendly Road Trip was taking Ty and Buster on a pet friendly scenic train ride in Pennsylvania. It was completely unique, and the boys had so much fun!

It got me thinking about how many more of these train rides might be available across the country … so we did a little digging and found quite a few! I hope there’s one near you on this list, and that you and your pup have the joy of experiencing it together.

Western USA

The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad runs coastal excursion between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach daily from mid-June through Labor Day. Weekend service extends the season from late May to the end of September. During the fall, the railroad also offers a “Fall Splendor” tour departing from the Wheeler station and running along the Nehalem River in September and October. Check the website for available dates.

Pet Policy: Well-behaved dogs are welcome for the ride, and the staff asks that families with dogs sit in the open cars, which offer more space for four-legged friends.

The Roaring Camp Railroad offers two route options on trains that run on weekends only in the spring and fall, but depart daily in the summer:

Redwood Forest Steam Train – a one-hour round trip with steam engines dating from 1890, among the oldest and most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam engines providing regularly scheduled passenger service in America. This excursion covers trestles through towering redwood groves, and climbs to the summit of Bear Mountain, while conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad, and the forest.

Santa Cruz Beach Train – Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, this route travels through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through a tunnel dug in 1875 before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz.

Pet Policy:Well-behaved and leashed pets are allowed to ride on the trains with limited space – please check with the ticket agent on the day of your visit. The conductor may ask some dogs to wear a muzzle. Muzzles are available to borrow at no charge at the Roaring Camp Ticket Office. Note that pets are not allowed on the Boardwalk or at the Santa Cruz city main beach. A “doggie” beach is available next to the Lighthouse on West Cliff Drive (hours are restricted).

Located in Northern California’s Mendocino County, the 131-year-old Skunk Train travels through meadows and mountains. They offer two routes and departure sites:

The Noyo River Canyon – Departing from Fort Bragg, the first few miles run alongside the Pudding Creek estuary, where you may spot blue heron, egrets, osprey, and ducks. After passing through Tunnel No. 1, the Skunk Train snakes its way along the Noyo River, traveling through the redwoods of Noyo River Canyon.

Coastal Range and Redwoods – Departing from Willits and traveling to Northspur, this train climbs the Eastern slope of the California Coast Range, cutting through at Tunnel No. 2 before descending into the Noyo River Canyon. This mountainous route travels 8.5 miles of track, but covers a straight-line distance of less than one mile.

Pet Policy: Dogs are the only pets permitted on board, and there is a $10 fee for dogs to ride the train. Please bring whatever they need to be comfortable (food, water, dishes, etc.).

This steam train travels four miles on a one-hour narrated excursion through the beautiful Sierra National Forest. There is time for a brief stopover in Lewis Creek Canyon to see the locomotive up close, or explore the outdoors before your return trip to the station.

Pet Policy: Well-behaved dogs on leash are allowed to ride with their people for no charge.

Central USA

From April through October, the Big South Fork Scenic Railway offers a three3hour, 14-mile round-trip into the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area on the Kentucky and Tennessee tracks. The trip descends 600 feet into the gorge before stopping at the Blue Heron Coal Mining Camp, a National Park Service outdoor interpretive site. Tickets also includes admission to the McCreary County Museum in Stearns.

The Cripple Creek & Victor Railroad trains leave the 1894 depot and gift shop at the head of historic Bennett Avenue every 40 minutes from mid-May thru mid-October. The four-mile, 45-minute round trip route includes narration on the rich history of this historic gold town and stops for special points of interest, impressive photo spots, and Echo Valley.

The Eureka Springs & Northern Arkansas Railway offers a 4.5-mile, narrated ride that lasts approximately an hour to “Junction” Arkansas and back. Drinks and snacks are available in the Baggage Room Gift Shop prior to boarding.

Pet Policy: Leashed pets are welcome on excursion trains, but not in cars where lunch or dinner is served.

While not quite a scenic train, the Monticello Railway Museum is open for train rides on Saturdays and Sundays from May through October as part of the museum’s educational mission. Visitors may board the train at the Nelson Crossing depot (the main museum site) or at the Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello.

You’re welcome to take a layover at either depot, walk through the cars and view the many pieces of rolling stock at the museum site, and visit the museum gift shop.

Pet Policy: Pets are permitted to ride the train for free, as long as they are well-mannered and leashed. The museum does not restrict the type of pet (a staff member believes a visitor may have ridden with a rabbit in a soft, body carrier). They just ask that you know your pet and whether he or she is likely to be comfortable on a noisy train.

The Texas Transportation Museum is open three days a week and offers scheduled train rides on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The rides are short, not scenic, and are offered as part of the educational mission of the museum.

Pet Policy: Well-behaved, leashed pets are allowed on the grounds and the train.

Eastern USA

Boothbay Railway Village – 586 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay, ME 04537

Boothbay Railway Village offers a short train ride to enhance their educational programs, which include demonstrations and hands-on activities. During 2017, rail trips will depart on the hour between 11am and 4pm every day, and the train changes daily. Visit the Village’s website to learn more.

Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome on the grounds, in the exhibits, and on the train. For the train ride they ask that dogs and their owners enjoy the open coaches or caboose (if operating.) Some of the enclosed coaches are okay for very small pets on laps, but the aisles have little room for larger dogs. Pets are not allowed on the North Pole Express train, or in the first class coach (which only goes out for special events) because of its remarkable velvet seats.

Conway Scenic Railroad – 38 Norcross Circle, North Conway, NH 03860

You’ll find the Conway Scenic Railroad where New Hampshire and Maine meet in the magnificent White Mountain. It is no more than a half day’s drive from Boston and Montreal, and only 90 minutes from Portland, Maine.

The Valley Train travels historic rail routes with vintage passenger cars, most dating from the 1920s. Their round trip routes start at the 1874 train station in North Conway Village and go to either Conway (11 miles / 55 minutes) or Bartlett (21 miles / 105 minutes).

The Notch Train takes you through the mountains for the most dramatic scenery and allows for a layover at Crawford Station where you can enjoy short nature walks or talks.

Both trains have an onboard snack bar that offers a limited selection sandwiches, snacks, and drinks for sale. You can also pre-order box lunches when you make your reservation.

Pet Policy: Well-behaved dogs may travel in Coach aboard any train provided they are leashed or in a carrier.

The Cooperstown & Charlotte trains depart from the Milford depot and travel to the Cooperstown Dream Park, and Cooperstown – home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. (At the time of this post, the Cooperstown boarding station is closed for construction. Call ahead to see where to board the train.) The ride round trip is three hours, with layovers at the Dream Park and in Cooperstown. Reservations are not required for regularly scheduled trains, and food and drinks are available for purchase on board.

Pet Policy: Dogs and cats are allowed on leash. Pets should not be included on train robbery excursions (black powder guns) or the Blues Express Train (loud music & alcohol).

The Delaware & Ulster travels through the scenic Catskill Mountains on a 24-mile route between Arkville and Roxbury, New York. The trip takes approximately two hours to complete, and railroad staff point out highlights along the trip, including historical background of the region. Summer train rides run on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Pet Policy: The Delaware and Ulster Railroad loves dogs, and they ride for free (even getting a special ticket). They must be well-behaved and feel comfortable on trains. Cats are also welcome, although none have visited yet.

Located 90 minutes from Philadelphia, and two hours from New York the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers a narrated, 70 minute, round trip route that follows the majestic Lehigh River into the Lehigh Gorge State Park. Trains run from May through December and depart from historic Jim Thorpe Station.

Pet Policy: Well behaved dogs are welcome to ride the train free-of-charge.

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad– 58 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101

The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad operates as part of a museum dedicated to the preservation and operation of Maine’s two foot gauge railway equipment. Their small museum features exhibits relating to Maine’s narrow gauge railway history, several historic rail cars, activities for children, and a unique gift shop.

Train tickets include both a self-guided tour of the museum and the scenic waterfront train ride, a 3-mile round trip route along the Eastern Promenade of Casco Bay that lasts approximately 35 minutes. Both open air cars and enclosed cars are available depending on the season, and the train crew and/or museum docents provide historical information aboard the ride.

Pet Policy: Pets are welcome during our regular-service train rides provided they are on a leash and well-behaved. They are welcome on the grounds but not allowed in the buildings.

The Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad departs Perry Street Station in Titusville, Pennsylvania. It is less than a half day’s drive from Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Youngstown, and only an hour from Erie, Pennsylvania.

This 3-hour round trip gives you the chance to learn about the history of the Pennsylvania oil industry, and keep an eye out for bald eagles, ducks, deer, and possibly a black bear.

Pet Policy: Dogs are allowed on the train for a $5.00 fee. An ‘On-Train Pet Policy’ waiver must be signed, and someone must stay with the dog at your seat; you cannot walk about the train with your dog. Pets are not permitted for any of the Special Events or during the month of October due to space limitations.

Located just 60 miles from Philadelphia, the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad runs between Reading, Port Clinton, and Jim Thorpe, in what is known as “The Switzerland of America.” With an approximately 3 hour layover, you’ll have time to explore the attractions in historic downtown Jim Thorpe. You can also coordinate an excursion on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway through the magnificent Lehigh Gorge.

These are full-day trips, departing Reading at 8:30am, and returning at 6pm. For a slightly shorter day, board the train in Port Clinton at 9:40am, and return at 5:30pm.

Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome on trains with the exception of Pullman or Parlor cars which have food service.